Physiological Sensor Retainer With Segmented Disposal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological characteristic sensor systems, such as continuous glucose monitors, face issues with accidental mishandling of the sensor inserter tool and improper disposal of the needle, which can affect the performance of the monitor and pose disposal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A physiological characteristic sensor system that includes a sensor inserter with a sensor retainer and a frame, where the sensor retainer is configured to couple with the sensor in a second state, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment, and the system is designed to facilitate proper disposal of the inserter after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor inserter tool includes a needle for puncturing skin, then the sensor can be properly implanted subcutaneously, but the tool becomes difficult to dispose of properly and may be accidentally mishandled
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor inserter is divided into separate components: a reusable sensor carrier and a disposable needle assembly. The needle is segmented from the main sensor body, allowing it to be properly disposed of in sharps containers while the sensor remains for continued use.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle component is designed as a disposable, single-use element that is discarded after the sensor implantation is complete. This eliminates disposal challenges and prevents accidental mishandling of the needle, while the main sensor unit is retained for ongoing glucose monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor inserter tool is packaged with the continuous glucose monitor, then the sensor can be easily implanted, but accidental mishandling may affect the performance of the monitor and sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The needle component is extracted from the main sensor packaging and handled as a separate disposable element. This separation prevents accidental mishandling of the needle, which could damage the sensor or monitor, while maintaining the ease of implantation through the dedicated sensor inserter tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor inserter tool is pre-assembled with the needle and sensor components in a controlled manner during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and functionality while preventing accidental mishandling during storage and transport, as the components are integrated until the moment of use.
3Reliability
If the sensor retainer is designed to couple securely with the sensor, then the attachment is reliable, but the detachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor retainer employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from a locked state during implantation to an unlocked state for removal. The retainer arm can be actuated to release the sensor from the carrier, providing secure attachment during use while enabling relatively simple detachment when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological characteristic sensor system includes a physiological characteristic sensor. The physiological characteristic sensor includes a housing having a first housing portion coupled to a second housing portion, and an antenna coupled to the first housing portion. The physiological characteristic sensor system includes a sensor inserter configured to be coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The sensor inserter includes a sensor retainer, and the sensor retainer is configured to couple to the second housing portion in a second state to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to the sensor inserter.